Unconventional Idol Mourning

We lost many celebrities and influential people this New Year, and we’re not even three weeks into 2016. Out of those we lost (so far), David Bowie & Alan Rickman were the most influential to me personally.

The deaths of David Bowie and Alan Rickman have sent shock waves out into the world.

I’m not going to pretend I felt as strongly connected, as some of my current and former friends have, to David Bowie. I’m a bit of a late bloomer as a Bowie fan. It was only in the last three or so years I began listening to Bowie’s music in depth, studied his eccentric fashion sense, and learned of his influence on many misfits, outsiders, & whomever felt alone because they were different from the masses. David Bowie’s courage to be himself in a world that actively fights & resists against the very notion of being one’s individual self has inspired generations. Whether he intended to or not, he gave a gift to the world. The energy he put out into the world as an entertainer & artist had a massive, universal impact that will continue to radiate for generations to come.

Alan Rickman died on my 28th birthday.

He is the first of a small group of favorite actors that have had a massive impact on myself, creatively, and emotionally. My generation, the millennials/Gen Y know him as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films. But his body of work as Hans Gruber in Die Hard, Angel Metatron in Dogma, Sir Alexander Dane from Galaxy Quest, & many other roles helped introduce me to the unconventional in film; the concept of the unconventional character, and the deep understanding of the shadow side of human nature.

I never met Alan Rickman in person or online.

From what I gather… mainly from watching countless interviews, talk show appearances, and hearing other’s experiences, he was a beautiful human being who had a deep understanding of the human experience. Those that worked with him constantly talk about how he always went the extra mile to help out his friends.

In every behind the scenes picture I ever saw him in he was always smiling. Never had I seen someone smile as much as Alan.

You can imagine how deep my heart sank waking up to the news of Alan’s passing.

The world is in a collective mourning period right now.

Losing two influences of mine triggered a thought deep within me during a period meditation. The message that came through was this:

Don’t take those you find inspiration from for granted. They’re not always going to be around. Learn as much as you possibly can from them while they’re alive. If you feel a connection with them: Explore that. Meditate on it. If you have an opportunity to see them perform live, do NOT pass that up. If you get the opportunity to meet them in person or have them answer a question of yours on a panel: TAKE IT. You may never get another opportunity.

There is a reason why you feel as inspired as you do. Take the chance to explore that feeling.

From what I’ve observed, and experienced myself, David Bowie & Alan Rickman have helped us all connect with our own authentic selves on a deeper level. They inspire us to take a chance on finding our place in the universe.

As we all continue to mourn these losses, we must continue to push ourselves to question the world around us and do what we can to make a difference. David and Alan have inspired that in myself.

Their influence on me will continue to help me find my purpose. And I hope their influence helps everyone who needs it.